By Precious Owolabi, Ado-Ekiti

Ekiti State Governor, Mr Biodun Oyebanji, has commended the state’s procurement process for ensuring efficiency in the selection of contractors for government projects, stressing that the system has enabled his administration to engage contractors with the capacity and ability to deliver projects to specification.

Governor Oyebanji, who gave the commendation on Thursday during the inspection of some projects in Ado-Ekiti, the state capital, said the exercise was to validate the independent reports obtained from the Office of Transformation and Service Delivery (OTSD), the Independent Projects Monitoring Office, and the Ministry of Budget.

Speaking with journalists shortly after the inspection, the governor expressed satisfaction with the quality and pace of work done at the various projects visited.

Speaking about the Central Business District at Atikankan, the governor said transforming Atikankan into a modern business district would not only enhance the town’s aesthetics but also create opportunities for businesses to thrive, thereby further boosting the state’s internally generated revenue.

While expressing his appreciation to the Ewi of Ado-Ekiti, Oba Rufus Adejuyigbe, and the residents of Atikankan for their cooperation with the government, the governor said his administration would continue to monitor all ongoing projects closely to ensure they meet the highest standards and deliver value for money.

“We have gone round three projects, and I am impressed by the pace of work done by the contractors. It also speaks to the fidelity of our procurement process in selecting contractors that have the capacity and ability to work according to plan.

“In all the sites that we visited, I have no reason to complain about the pace and quality of the work done. One thing that we have put together in this administration is to ensure continuous monitoring and evaluation of projects,” the governor stated.

Projects inspected included the Ekiti State International Centre for Art and Culture, Ekute, Ado-Ekiti; the Central Business District at Atikankan, Ado-Ekiti; and the Ekiti State Internal Revenue Office, Ado-Ekiti.